Thanksgiving weekend events & activities, including free, fun family & kids’ activities, live music, theatre & performing arts, sports, and exhibitions.
Thanksgiving Weekend in Kitchener-Waterloo Region: Friday, October 9 – Monday, October 12, 2026
I. Family & Kids Activities this weekend
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade
The annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade will fill the streets with music, colour, and community spirit. Details
Monday, October 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM
The parade travels up Weber Street and finishes at Bridgeport Road at the corner of Weber and Bridgeport around Noon.
Free; Parade Bleacher Tickets: $10/person
Bring a non-perishable food item or make a cash donation to support The Food Bank through the Onkel Hans Food Drive
Frederick Street is closed from Duke to Edna from 7:00am – 11am. Weber Street is closed Scott to Noecker starting at 9:20am and opens as the parade passes.
KIDtoberfest
Perfect for families with kids aged 3-10 (or a kid at heart!), KIDtoberfest features traditional music and dancing, Bavarian activities, and performances by family favourites!! Details
October 9 – 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Kitchener City Hall Rotunda, 200 King St W, Kitchener
Enter through the Willkommen Platz Biergarten (family-friendly!) or through the Young Street entrance.
Free
Woolly Bear October
They’re everywhere! Woolly bear caterpillars become more visible in late fall and this beloved creature is the focus in October. Come see our woolly bears up close! We will reveal the truth about the woolly bear’s stripes and you’ll discover how they survive through the winter. Details
Daily, October 2026 | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Mondays | Closed
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth Road, Cambridge
Regular Admission applies
Erin Fair
The Erin Fair has Drone show, 9-11 Homecraft Displays, Ag Awareness Display, Livestock & Horse Shows, Truck, Tractor & Horse Pulls, Live Entertainment, Concessions, Demo Derby, Festival Gardens, Kid’s Pedal Pulls, 4H Achievement Days. Details
October 9-12, 2026
Erin Agricultural Society, 190 Main St, Erin
$7 to $20
You may like:
Fall Farm Fun
Get ready to have some FALL farm fun! Includes access for 3-5 hours to our play area, pirate ships, petting zoo, pedal carts, jumping pillows, corn maze, haunted houses, and HAYRIDE!! Details
Select dates, until October 31, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Snyder’s Family Farm, 936685 Blenheim Rd RR 4, Ayr
$18.99 to $29.99
Visit Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Experience 1000s of free-flying butterflies, and more, in the indoor tropical conservatory. Woolly bear caterpillars become more visible in late fall and this beloved creature is the focus in October. Come see our woolly bears up close! We will reveal the truth about the woolly bear’s stripes and you’ll discover how they survive through the winter. Details
Tuesday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Monday, October 12th – Closed
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, 2500 Kossuth Rd, Cambridge
General Admission Day Pass (age 13-64): $22.50;
Senior Day Pass (age 65+): $18.50;
Child Day Pass (3 – 12): $13.50; Child (age 2 and under): Free
Harvest Fun at Strom’s Farm
Join in on the fun and experience harvest fun activities. Details
September 18 – October 31, 2026
Strom’s Farm & Bakery, 5089 Wellington County Rd 32, Guelph
$12.95 to $20.45 + taxes
You may like:
Heritage Hopper
Join us and travel back in time for an authentic heritage train ride through Woolwich Township and Waterloo Regions’ famous Mennonite farm country on our historic rail line that has been in service since the 1880s. Details
Thursday, Saturday, September 3 – October 29, 2026
October 10 – Oktoberfest Heritage Hopper | 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM
Northfield, Farmers Market, and St. Jacobs Station
$21.49 – $42.79; Oktoberfest Heritage Hopper $37.44 – $53.49
Fall Fun at Benjamin Tree Farm
With over 15,000 square feet of playground space for the kids, 40+ local vendors offering handmade items and seasonal decor, and of course your pick of pumpkins — Benjamin Farm is thrilled to get the chance to create lasting memories for families around the region. Enjoy the Sandhill, playground, balance beams, pumpkin bowling, climbing web, a kiddie corn maze, food trucks, and much more! Details
September 19 – October 31, 2026
Benjamin Tree Farm, 770 Benjamin Rd, Waterloo
$12 – $22 plus GST
Bingemans Screampark
One horrifying walk…zero ways to prepare for the fear! Details
September 25 – 26, October 2 – 4, 8 – 11, 15 – 18, 22 – 25, 29 – 31, 2026
Bingemans, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener
General admission $34.95 – $59.95
Go Apple Picking
Delicious apples are ready to pick. Check out these farms for some great options
- Orchard Home Farm
- Brantview Apples & Cider
- Wheelbarrow Orchards
- The Apple Orchard
- Chudleigh’s Farm
- Downey’s U-pick Farm
Do call the farms to confirm their hours before starting
Pumpkin Patches
- The Apple Orchard
- Hanes Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
- Herrles Country Farm Market
- Good Family Farm Pumpkins
- TJ’s Farm Fresh
Corn Mazes in Ontario
Get lost at world-famous corn mazes or at the one nearest to you for a memorable experience with the family or your bestie. Most of these farms also have a whole bunch of other great activities so you can enjoy the entire day picking pumpkins, milking goats, cuddling bunnies and so much more! Details
Enjoy Fall in KW Region
From corn mazes to fabulous fall festivals, there are plenty of ways to celebrate fall in the KW Region. Check out this list of 30 activities you can do in Kitchener – Waterloo Region.
Fall Activities and Getaways in Ontario
When Ontario comes alive with vibrant colours in autumn, cities and towns across the province offer a unique environment, and distinct character for visitors and locals to truly explore.
II. Live Music
Let’s Go! Tribute to the Cars, with opening act the 80its
Named after their hit song ‘Let’s Go’, this tribute captures the new wave sound, infectious hooks, and sleek, synth-driven rock that made THE CARS one of the most influential bands of the late ’70s and ’80s. With renditions of classics like ‘Just What I Needed’, ‘My Best Friend’s Girl’, ‘You Might Think’, ‘Magic’, ‘Drive’ and ‘Good Times Roll’, ‘LET’S GO!’ a tribute to THE CARS guarantees an electrifying performance that transports audiences back to the golden era of rock. Details
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Fergus Grand Theatre, 244 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus
$24.95 inc. HST
Billy Raffoul
Ontario singer-songwriter Billy Raffoul brings his heartfelt songwriting, powerful voice, and intimate storytelling to the stage.
Known for emotionally rich songs and unshakable melodies, Raffoul has connected with audiences around the world, earning hundreds of millions of streams and sold-out shows. His music includes fan favourites like “Acoustic,” “Easy Tiger,” “Better,” “I Wish You Were Here,” and “Bliss,” along with award-winning songs “Western Skies” and “We Could Get High.” Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM
Centre In The Square, 101 Queen Street North, Kitchener
$64.50
Pat Metheny: Side-Eye III+
Twenty-time Grammy Award winner Pat Metheny returns to the stage with Side-Eye III+, the latest evolution of his celebrated project spotlighting fresh voices in jazz. Known for his groundbreaking sound and constant musical reinvention, Metheny continues to push boundaries while mentoring the next generation of innovators.
This dynamic tour features pianist and keyboardist Chris Fishman, percussionist/vocalist Leonard Patton, bassist Jermaine Paul, and drummer Joe Dyson, a stellar lineup bringing new energy to Metheny’s genre-defying music. Blending new material with classics from his remarkable career, Side-Eye III+ offers audiences an intimate look at one of jazz’s most influential artists in creative motion. Don’t miss this unique musical collaboration from a true master of modern jazz. Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Centre In The Square, 101 Queen Street North, Kitchener
$96.75 – $128.75
Live Music at The Jazz Room
Enjoy live music at The Jazz Room. Details
Joe Policastro Trio (Chicago) | Friday, October 9, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Payadora Ensemble | Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
The Jazz Room, 59 King St N, Waterloo
$20 – $35
The Irish Descendants
From the rugged shores of Newfoundland the Far East of the Western World originates one of Canada’s most celebrated folk groups, The Irish Descendants. For over 35 years, this multi-award-winning ensemble has captivated audiences across North America and beyond, performing more than 8,000 live shows and earning a reputation for musical excellence and cultural storytelling. Led by the unmistakable voice of Con O’Brien, the band blends masterful musicianship with rich vocals, weaving tales of their Irish heritage and the soul of Newfoundland and Labrador into every performance. Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 7:30 PM
Fergus Grand Theatre, 244 St. Andrew St. W, Fergus
$54
III. Theatre/Performing Arts
Into The Woods
October 7 – 25, 2026
St. Jacobs Country Playhouse, 40 Benjamin Rd. E., Waterloo
$38 – $62 + taxes and fees
IV. Sports
Thanksgiving Day Mile
Kick off Thanksgiving morning with the Thanksgiving Day Mile, a fast and festive one-mile road race held just before the K-W Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade. Runners and walkers will take on a closed, traffic-free course along Weber Street, with thousands of spectators lining the route. Details
Monday, October 12, 2026 | 9:00 AM
George Lippert Park, Weber Street West, Kitchener
Register $40 – $52
Go Hiking or Visit Nature Areas
There are plenty of opportunities across Kitchener-Waterloo Region to enjoy nature. Go cycling and explore Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo.
Enjoy a leisurely walk with the family at any of these locations:
-
- 25 Hikes to Enjoy Fall Colours in Ontario
- 25 Nature Attractions & Parks in Kitchener-Waterloo Region
- 25 Fabulous Scenic Lookouts to Visit in Ontario
- 26 Nature Parks and Hiking Spots in the Halton Region
- 25 Waterfalls to Visit Near Toronto
- 50 Nature Attractions & Hotspots in and around GTAV. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
V. Exhibitions, Festivals & Other Events
Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest
September 25 – October 17, 2026
Various locations in Kitchener
Free and ticketed
Concordia Club Oktoberfest 2026
Join us for vibrant cultural events celebrating German heritage, music, food, and community. This may be what the Concordia Club is most known for today! Concordia is Canada´s ‘Home’ of Oktoberfest. With a seating capacity of nearly 4,000, Concordia has established the second-largest Oktoberfest in the world right here in Kitchener-Waterloo. Details
October 9 – 17, 2026
Concordia Club, 429 Ottawa St South, Kitchener
$15.78; No Ticket Required For 16 & Under
Castle Kilbride Ghost Walks
Take a walk on Castle Kilbride’s eerie side. The tour features frescoes from an artist who should have been dead, playful kids throughout, including Kilbride’s resident spirit and haunted antiques that have found their way back to the Castle. Participants, secluded inside the house with their guide, create a perfect environment for the experience. Details
Saturday, October 3, 10, 17, 24, 2026 | 08:00 PM
Township of Wilmot, 60 Snyder’s Road West, Baden
$16.75 + tax
Summer Open Days at the DSC
Come out and experience the DSC! Details
Sundays, May 3 – October 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, 6981 Concession 4, Puslinch
$0 – $20
Vogue Visits
A guided tour by costumed guide of the exhibits the Trip of 1936 and Vogue Voyages: Fashion on the High Seas Travel Clothes 1912 – 1939. Afterwards create a fabulous fascinator or brilliant bow tie. Details
October 10 & 11, 2026 | 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Castle Kilbride, 60 Snyder’s Road West
$5.25 – $8.25
Monster Month
During the month of October, visitors started coming to Elora from all over Southern Ontario to see the display. Local artists, community groups, businesses and other organizations started adding themed events as popularity grew, leading to the name “Monster Month in Elora.” Details
September 25 – November 1, 2026
Fergus Ghost Walk | October 9 | 8:00 PM–9:30 PM @ The Bookery
Shub & Handsome Tiger | October 9 | 9:00 PM–11:30 PM @ Elora Centre for the Arts
Pumpkin Day | October 10 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PM @ Wellington County Museum & Archives
Across Elora, ON
Free and ticketed
“The Dark Side of Galt” Evening Walking Tours
Put on your comfy walking shoes and join us as we take an evening stroll through the past, exploring stories of disasters, hauntings, and other unsavoury events that are part of the make up of Galt’s dark history. Details
Fridays, October 2 – 23, 2026 | 6:30 PM & 7:00 PM
McDougall Cottage Historic Site, 89 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge
$31.45
Willkommen Platz – “Welcome Place”
Join us at Downtown Kitchener transforms into a bustling Bavarian village like you’ve never seen it before – outdoors along King Street from Queen Street to Kitchener City Hall!
Raise your stein in the Biergarten, savour authentic German cuisine from one of our food vendors, shop our local vendor market or sing along in front of the Circle K Main Stage at one of our live performances! K-W Oktoberfest is bringing the spirit of Gemütlichkeit to DTK!! Details
October 9 – 11, 2026
Carl Zehr Square (200 King Street West, Kitchener) & along King Street from Queen Street to Kitchener City Hall
Free
DOGtoberfest
Join us for a tail-wagging day of fun featuring a vibrant marketplace filled with local dog-friendly and dog-focused businesses, exciting competitions, a ceremonial keg tapping and maybe even a few special guests. Details
October 10 – 11, 2026 | 12 PM – 6 PM
Gaukel Block, 44 Gaukel Street
Free
Together We’re Boisterous Comedy Show
Expect a night packed with Stand-Up, Musical Comedy, and Improv – oh, and tons of laughs! 19+. Details
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
TWB Co-operative Brewing, 300 Mill St, Unit 1, Kitchener
$11/$22/$33
Spirit Season at Homer Watson House & Gallery
Book a personal psychic reading with a medium, go on an authentic ghost hunt, learn about the ghosts of the property on a tour, attend a lecture or workshop, and much more! Details
Select dates, October 3 – 30, 2026
Homer Watson House & Gallery, 1754 Old Mill Rd, Kitchener
Varies depending on the program
Bloody Berlin Walking Tour
Join Schneider Haus staff for an evening walk through the back alleys and side streets of downtown Kitchener as we talk about some of the scary, sexy, or just plain weird characters that have called our town home. Murders, executions, grave robbing, shootouts, villainous doctors, and even pandemics of the past. Come learn a little more about Bloody Berlin….if you dare!! Details
Thursday – Saturday, October 1, 3, 8, 10, 31, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Thursday, October 15, 22, 29, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Schneider Haus NHS, 466 Queen Street South, Kitchener
$33.85 plus tax and fees
Grillefest
Kitchener council celebrates Oktoberfest downtown with council’s Grillefest. Councillors and city staff will serve you a traditional sausage on a bun, with all proceeds going to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region! Details
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener City Hall
Minimum donation of $5, with all proceeds going to support the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
All Ages Oktoberfest
Prost! Join us at Schneider Haus this Thanksgiving weekend to participate in our all-ages Oktoberfest activities! Activate your taste buds with root beer tasting or try a soft pretzel fresh from the oven. Play some backyard games or try some polka or the chicken dance. Details
October 10 – 11, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Schneider Haus National Historic Site, 462 Queen Street South
Regular Admission
Thanksgiving Monday at McDougall Cottage
Step out of the fall chill and come warm-up inside our cozy little Cottage on the Grand. Sip a complementary cup of warm apple cider and enjoy the charm of the season in our historic space.
While you’re there, don’t forget to take in our newest exhibit, Snapshots in Time: Nostalgia and Memory — a thoughtful exploration of how we remember and connect to the past. Details
Monday, October 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
McDougall Cottage Historic Site, 89 Grand Avenue S, Cambridge
Regular Admission
Thanksgiving Dinner Train
Step aboard our heritage train for a festive Thanksgiving dining experience as we journey through the picturesque countryside between St. Jacobs and Elmira. Settle into the elegant Heritage Lounge Car, where vintage charm meets cozy comfort. Details
Monday, October 12, 2026 | 12:00 PM
330 Farmers Market Road, St. Jacobs
$139.10
Thanksgiving Dinner Dine /Take-Out Options
- Borealis Grille on October 11 – 12
- Charcoal Steakhouse on October 10 – 11
- Cambridge Mill on October 11
- The Nook Cook House on October 9 – 11
- Swiss Chalet Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo – until October 12
- All Open Table Listings – Kitchener
- All Open Table Listings – Waterloo
- All Open Table Listings – Cambridge
Cambridge Farmers’ Market
The Cambridge Farmers’ Market is our community food hub. It is where residents gather, talk about food and community happenings. Farmers Markets are a place of: Excitement and anticipation around food Centres of commerce and socializing. Details
Saturdays, Year-round | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cambridge Farmers’ Market, 40 Dickson St, Cambridge
Free
Kitchener Farmer’s Market
Shop for groceries or weekend meals, including meat, produce, dairy, and specialty items from the Farmer’s Market. Details
Saturdays | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
300 King St E, Kitchener
Free
Ontario Culture Days
Culture Days is a national celebration of arts and culture. At the end of each September, millions of people attend thousands of participatory arts and culture events across the country. Culture Days programs invite the public to get hands-on and behind-the-scenes to highlight the importance of arts and culture in our communities. Details
September 18 – October 4, 2026
Across Ontario
Free
Fear Farm
Visit Fear Farm during the 2026 season and enjoy the world famous hayride and 7 legendary outdoor haunts to visit. Come enjoy the live horses on the hayride, the action, the actors, the atmosphere. This is the fall event not to miss. Details
select dates, September 26 – October 31, 2026
936685 Blenheim Rd, Bright
$64.99 & up
We do try to make the listings as accurate as possible, but there may be typographical/oversight errors or events may be cancelled or postponed without any notice. Verify all details from concerned event Websites/officials.